As Purim approaches, we prepare to celebrate one of the most joyful festivals in the Jewish calendar.
This year it holds even greater meaning as we pray for the revelation of truth and the unveiling of evil which has been masked and hidden behind human shields.
Beyond the costumes, gifts to the poor, mishloach manot (read to the end for my tips on what to include), and special meal, Purim holds profound lessons that resonate deeply with our journey toward holistic well-being.
At the heart of Purim is the captivating story of Queen Esther, a tale of courage, resilience, and the power of standing up for what we believe in. Queen Esther's bravery in revealing her true identity to King Ahasuerus, risking her life to save her people, serves as a timeless example of the strength that lies within each of us.
In a world where societal norms and expectations often dictate our actions, Purim reminds us of the importance of unmasking our authentic selves. Just as Queen Esther defied convention to speak her truth, we can also find the courage to embrace our uniqueness and live a life aligned with our deepest values.
This theme of unmasking resonates profoundly with our journey toward holistic well-being, particularly in the area of nutrition. Too often, we find ourselves trapped in cycles of restrictive diets and harmful eating patterns, driven by external pressures and societal ideals.
But what if we dared to unmask our true relationship with food? What if we listened to our bodies' innate wisdom and nourished ourselves in a way that honors our individual needs and preferences?
Embracing a holistic approach to nutrition invites us to do just that.
It's about tuning into our bodies, listening closely to the signs it gives, cultivating a deeper understanding of our hunger cues and cravings, and making mindful choices that support our overall well-being.
Instead of falling prey to the latest fad diet or restrictive eating plan, how would it feel to learn to eat intuitively, according to what truly nourishes our bodies and souls? Let's plug into the wisdom of Queen Esther and draw inspiration from her courage and resilience. This can open us up to a path that aligns more closely with our deepest beliefs and values.
Instead of trying to stick to punitive and limiting eating plans (closely managed by our inner critic), we can rather learn to nourish ourselves with love and compassion (as a caring adult mother figure would). - For those of you who have attended my talk on self-sabotage you’ll remember how I described the different dynamics between the inner critic, the inner child, the inner rescuer, and the loving adult who breaks you out of the cycle.
One of the hardest aspects for me on Purim is exchanging mishloach manot. I want my kids to be excited about what they both give and receive, but at the same time, I am mindful of not encouraging high-sugar snacks. For this reason, I like to include a mix of items that will still be delicious and nutritious.
Here are my top pics for what to include:
Foods like dried fruit and nuts, 100% fruit juice, dark chocolate, homemade oatmeal choc chip muffins or granola bars, snack packs of hummus, tahina, olives and pickled vegetables, popcorn, and baked pretzels.
These foods say I’m thinking of you, I value you and your health!
This Purim, may we see revealed true good shining in brightly in the world, and may we find the courage to shine our brightest light, unapologetically and authentically.
May we see the return of the hostages, soldiers, displaced, an end to the war, and the redemption of our Jewish nation.
Wishing you a joyful and empowering Purim!
To learn more about how I work and to find out how I can support you to include a holistic nutrition approach in your life schedule a 15 minute clarity call here
